Suicide threat leads to pursuit

WASHINGTON COUNTY – The Washington County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call, just before midnight on August 12, regarding a distraught man who was threatening to attempt suicide.

The caller alleged Wesley Blackerby, 35, of Crestview, had contacted her through Facebook and wrote that he wanted to “crash his truck into a tree” among other comments.

Deputies responded to the Vernon Express store located in Vernon, the last known location of the vehicle. The vehicle was found traveling south on Highway 79 and would not stop when deputies attempted a traffic stop.

In the efforts to stop the vehicle and prevent the risk of an accident as the vehicle approached the Highway 20 and Highway 77 intersection, spike strips were deployed although Blackerby managed to avoid them.

During the time that deputies were attempting to stop the vehicle, Blackerby held a sign out of the window that read “Help” just before turning his truck into the path of a patrol car. When the vehicles made contact, the deputy was able to maneuver the vehicles into a safe stop.

As the vehicles came to a stop, Blackerby was witnessed throwing an object, which he later identified as a “bowl of marijuana” into the wood line. A security check of the vehicle also resulted in deputies locating a pipe that is commonly used to smoke narcotics.

Blackerby was arrested and charged with fleeing and eluding law enforcement with lights and siren active, attached registration/license plate not assigned, driving while license suspended or revoked third or subsequent offense (felony), and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Deputies learned Blackerby was listed as a missing person and had an outstanding felony warrant in Okaloosa County during the investigation.

Washington County Sheriff Kevin Crews urges anyone with knowledge of crimes being committed to contact the Washington County Sheriff’s Office at 850-638-6111. Tips may also be reported anonymously by calling 850-638-TIPS (8477) or by emailing tips@wcso.us.

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